Critical Support Services

Advance Planning for an Unexpected Death in the Workplace

When an unexpected death occurs in the workplace most businesses are unprepared. The grief and aftermath of the emotional trauma that accompanies unexpected deaths from health crises, suicides, overdoses, accidents, or homicides, are very different from the grief related to deaths expected to occur. After an unexpected death, employees may experience physical and emotional symptoms that impact their work performance. Employees with a history of grief and trauma are also at risk of memories being triggered and having their previous traumas reactivated.

When the workplace is not prepared to address or respond to an unexpected death, employees may struggle to function and make even minor decisions. This may lead to feeling isolated in their grief, which may also lead to experiencing low morale and inactivity. In the unprepared workplace, employers report increased use of employee sick time, higher rates of turnover, and management and leadership difficulties. There is often decreased productivity, lost revenue, stalled projects, and increased risk for legal complications. Therapy Heals Advance Planning for an Unexpected Death in the Workplace prepares your workplace for the inevitable.

Our comprehensive program includes:

  • review of your current bereavement policies
  • assessment of organizational structure to determine the impact of unexpected death
  • creation of a grief readiness environment
  • management trainings
  • development of policies, procedures, and communication protocols
  • employee resource guides for each type of unexpected death

Talking about death, let alone preparing for it, has historically been a very uncomfortable topic in our society. In the past, many businesses have avoided difficult and emotional topics such as grief in the professional environment. Some employees who have displayed their emotions at work have been shunned and even reprimanded. Today, many businesses have recognized they can no longer afford this mentality.

Employers who take the time and resources to engage in advance planning for an unexpected death are committed to the health and well-being of their employees and their business. Therapy Heals has developed a cutting-edge program to prepare your company and leaders with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to lead during a crisis to ensure your workplace remains healthy and resilient.

Crisis Response for an Unexpected Death in the Workplace

Tragedy, illness, and death often strike without warning. We live in a time when tragedy and unexpected death have become an all too familiar occurrence. Traumas like an unexpected death can have a major influence on your employees’ well-being and their ability to function. When the unexpected occurs, administrators and team leaders must quickly identify resources, communicate up-to-date information, and support their community; all while dealing with their own pain and grief.

Crisis response services can reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions such as traumatic and complicated grief, self-destructive behaviors, physical symptoms, and mental health struggles. If not properly addressed, consequences can impact learning and job performance, mental and physical health, decreased confidence in the organization, and negatively impact staff well-being and morale.

Therapy Heals Crisis Response provides services to schools, businesses, and organizations immediately after an unexpected death. Our services begin with a zoom or phone meeting to understand the nature of the crisis, your organizational needs, and the type of support required. We understand the importance of timely support and the urgency of your request. Initial services are provided online and depending on your geographic location, in-person services may be arranged. All response services are personalized to the needs of your school, business, or organization.

Crisis Response services include:

  • consultation for leadership and management
  • communication guidance related to notification
  • development of support services to facilitate healing
  • psychoeducation about an unexpected death
  • in-services and trainings
  • resource guides for employees
  • identification of local resources

If you experience a sudden or unexpected death in the workplace, Therapy Heals will provide timely support services by therapists who specialize in traumatic grief to process and cope with the death of a colleague or community member.